Hawks Rumors: John Collins, Deandre Ayton, Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, More

NOTE: This podcast was recorded Wednesday at 11 AM EST before the Dejounte Murray trade happened

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto and Hawks beat writer Chris Kirschner discuss the trade market for John Collins, the chances of a Deandre Ayton sign-and-trade, De’Andre Hunter’s potential contract extension value, and more on the latest edition of the HoopsHype podcast.

For more interviews with players, coaches, and media members, be sure to like and subscribe to the HoopsHype podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Listen to the podcast above or check out some snippets of the conversation in a transcribed version below.

2:30 John Collins Trade Rumors

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Scotto: Sacramento is likely out after taking Keegan Murray in the draft, and Portland just traded for Jerami Grant unofficially, who plays the same position as John Collins. There have been rumblings about Collins not being totally happy with his current role.

Kirschner: From talking with people since the draft, it seems like the market for Collins has decreased quite a bit. Now, I’m not really sure who’s interested in him… As it stands now for John, the market has definitely dwindled down for him. It’s not a possibility the Hawks just keep him. The Hawks aren’t going to just trade John for nothing. We’re talking about someone who’s a really good player.

12:30 De’Andre Hunter

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Scotto: Rival executives around the NBA I’ve spoken to believe a potential extension for De’Andre Hunter down the line could be in the high teens or close to $20 million annually. Those executives have also gotten the sense from talking to Atlanta that Hunter is a part of the team’s core going forward with Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu. 

Kirschner: I think the Hawks want to get something done with Hunter. They want that wrapped up heading into the regular season.

17:00 Deandre Ayton Trade Talks

Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns

AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez

Scotto: Ayton has been linked with the Hawks in a potential sign-and-trade scenario. The Hawks, I’ve heard, want to create more playing time for Onyeka Okongwu. If there was going to be a trade package for Ayton, I don’t know if John Collins would be in that. I think certainly Clint Capela would be a possibility as a true center and someone who played with Chris Paul.

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Kirschner: I’ve heard from multiple people that the only way the Hawks would pursue Ayton is if he could be had on less than a max contract. If that’s the case, it’s certainly possible Phoenix retains him and tries to rebuild that relationship with him.

21:35 Clint Capela and Bogdan Bogdanovic Trade Rumors

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Kirschner: Right now, I think that Capela will be back with the Hawks next season. I think that all depends on whether Ayton can he had at a lower number than he and his reps are looking for. If not, I think the Hawks are very comfortable bringing back Capela… Bogdanovic was definitely in many trade conversations, from what I’ve heard. The problem with Bogdanovic is he may not be ready to go by the time the regular season begins. He dealt with a lingering knee issue all season long this past season… I heard prior to Jerami Grant moving to Portland that there was a possibility he could’ve been in a trade package for Grant with the Hawks looking for more wings to add to their roster. The Hawks like Bogdanovic and his leadership. He’s grown into one of the most vocal guys in the locker room, holding guys accountable.

25:40 Delon Wright and Lou Williams Free Agent Markets

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Kirschner: Because of Atlanta’s salary cap situation, it makes sense for them to bring Delon Wright back with his Bird Rights. With what we saw out of Wright in the second half of the season when he started playing more with Trae Young, that partnership with them works well.

Lou Williams wants to play next season. I just don’t think it’s going to be with Atlanta. They have Sharife Cooper, who they drafted last season. They extended a two-way qualifying offer to him. He played pretty much the entire season in the G League. They definitely think he can be someone who’s a spark plug scorer off the bench. It’s possible Cooper’s going to be the third point guard on the roster this season. I’d be stunned if Lou came back for the Hawks.

30:35 Nate McMillan’s Future

Nate McMillan talking with Trae Young

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Kirschner: I think there’s going to be heat on McMillan coming into the season. The Hawks have made it very clear Travis Schlenk, Landry Fields, owner Tony Ressler, the Hawks want to be better. If it’s the same thing we saw this season, there are going to have to be changes.

You can follow Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) and Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) on Twitter. 

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